Whitecaps FC vs. LA Galaxy Match Day Report: Going back to Cali

After a midweek loss in Montreal, Vancouver Whitecaps FC (7W-6L-2D) visit LA Galaxy (5W-4L-6D) on Saturday for an important Western Conference tilt at the StubHub Center.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. PT. You can watch the match live on TSN2 and listen on TSN 1410 radio, including a pre-match show at 5:30 p.m. PT and a two-hour post-match show.

Match Day: Saturday, June 6

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.

Venue: StubHub Centre, Los Angeles

TV: TSN12Radio: TSN 1410

Viewing Party: Manchester Public Eatery

Image: Whitecaps FC

Whitecaps FC

This will be Vancouver’s third match in eight days and second of five straight on the road. After Saturday, though, they won’t be back in action until June 20 against New York Red Bulls.

It’s been a difficult stretch for Whitecaps FC, who have lost three of their last four matches, and it won’t get any easier on Saturday against the defending MLS Cup champion Galaxy.

However, the ‘Caps are still .500 away from home this season (3W-3L-2D) and second in the Western Conference, which is already looking as tight as ever.

Only two points separate the second-place ‘Caps and fifth-place Galaxy.

LA Galaxy

The Galaxy have been a little slow out of the gates this season, but they’ve still mustered a 5W-4L-6D record despite a number of injuries.

Star striker Robbie Keane, for example, has only played six matches. He’s expected to be involved on Saturday, though the Irishman told reporters it will more than likely be as a second-half sub.

On the other hand, Keane’s strike partner Gyasi Zardes will miss Saturday’s match due to international duty – as will first-choice goalkeeper Jaime Penedo (international duty) and midfielder Jose Villarreal (shoulder sprain).

The Galaxy are unbeaten in 23 MLS regular season matches at the StubHub Center, which is a club record and the third longest home-unbeaten streak in MLS history.

Head-to-head

LA Galaxy have proved a tricky foe for Whitecaps FC in MLS.

The ‘Caps are 2W-8L-2D against LA all-time, though they earned a convincing 2-0 win at BC Place earlier this year. Most of Vancouver’s struggles against LA have come at the StubHub Center, where they’ve lost each of their six previous encounters – getting outscored 13-1 in the process.

Saturday’s match will be the second and final meeting between the West Coast rivals this season.

Did you know?

They’re foes on Saturday, but Robinson and Keane have a friendship that dates back nearly 20 years. In fact, Keane was Robinson’s best man at his wedding. Read more about their relationship here.